You might have noticed that I haven’t blogged for quite some time. The reason is because So-Called living was put on hold for a bit, while Jamie was dealing with other things in his life such as, moving out of his old house and into his brand-spanking new house.

Now that he has, we should be able to get back on track… not that the holiday season is the best time to do that, but what the hell.

The feed back on book 2 and 3 have started coming in and so far it’s mostly positive. I say “mostly” only because I was called on some logistical miss steps here and there, nothing big, and nothing and can’t fix. There was on comment about a flashback that I’ll be going back to revisit to make sure it’s right for the story, other than that everything is look pretty good. And I have yet to check on him, but I’m sure Jamie’s drawing up a storm!… or not.

Well will you look at that, it’s a post! I know it’s been a while since I wrote but it’s been so busy with everything but the book and had really nothing to say. Jamie’s still going through his moving to a new home phase, so no new art to show either. But tonight I’m back baby! And hopefully Jamie will be joining me soon ;)

Yesterday my goal was to finish writing book 3, instead I ended up rewriting most of it, but that’s ok ’cause in the end, I know the book is that much better for it. When it comes down to it, I’d write that beeeatch over 100 times if I need too ;)

1. No new art :( Jamie is in the middle of a big move and has little time to draw, but he does think he can get back to the book next week.

2. This weekend I couldn’t write anything either :( Between dress shopping with the wife, an all day migraine and Proday (a day where pros from the video game industry work with students that want to get into the video game industry) I had zero time

These are both perfect examples of life getting in the way… but we won’t let it derail us!

I was talking to Jamie yesterday, informing him of the piss poor job I was doing on the script for book 3. If there are any other writers reading this today then you’ll understand, that some days everything you write comes out shit! You’re tired, agitated and maybe even a little hungry, but yet you’re determined to write anyway, and so you do, and that’s fine, but you’ll be writing it again. ’cause if you’re like me, you’ll know its crap when you’re writing it, but you know what… screw it. Just keep writing if you want, get it out of your system. Then after a day or two away from it you’ll come back, realize the mess you’ve made of things and then fix it. I like to think that I have some good stories inside me, and some bad ones, but they all have to come out, and I don’t always have control of when, but I can control what I show to others. If you’re not confidant in your work, be it writing or drawing, don’t try to pass it off to someone else hopping for praise, you’re only lying to yourself. Part of being good at what you do is learning to accept your failures, and the other is learning from them.

It’s not much, but it’s all I could pry out of Jamie’s resistant hands. I get he doesn’t want to show to much before it’s released, and that’s a good thing. I probably would have show you the entire book by now if not for him playing the roll of the cooler head, which as we know prevails.

Anyway…. When asked for some art, Jamie replied “I’m sure I can get you something”. A short while later I received this e-mail…

I would like to introduce you to “Waiting for the bus, Gus” He will be making his debut in the first issue of So-Called Living. :P

Yesterday I finished my rewrite of book 2. It wasn’t a complete rewrite, but I’m confidant that it was enough to address the necessary concerns. I later sent out copies of the script to a trusted few to get their feedback. So although I think it’s good, I have yet to have anyone agree with me, but they will…oh they will. I’ve also requested some new art from Jamie to add to a post, so keep checking in for that.

As I mentioned in a previous post, the story for the second issue of So-Called Living was less than stellar according to those who read the early script. I can’t stress how important it is to have a group of people you can trust to tell you that your story is shit. Sure it’s nice to hear how “awesome” your story is from your friends and family, but in the long run they are not helping you, but If you’re the kind of person that takes criticism badly and sulks over bad reviews, then chances are your friends aren’t going to tell you the truth, even if you ask for it, that’s just the way it is. I’ll admit, when given a bad review, I probably appear angry or upset, but never with the reviewer, always with myself for not doing better or catching the problem from the start. If someone doesn’t like your work and you trust their opinion then there’s a good chance you have to go back to the drawing board (or in my case the keyboard), and that’s just what I did.

I wrestled with different ideas in my head for a few days, and then yesterday it hit me! I ran down to my office and started writing, and you know what? The story is sooo much better for it. So in the end, after the smoke of criticism clears and you get down to what really matters (maximising your potential), you’ll be all that much happier with the end result, trust me.